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HI Spy: Did Your Dad Support Your Horse Habit?

If you’re like most horse lovers, your dad didn’t always understand your obsession with horses, but he faithfully supported it in some fashion. With Father’s Day in mind, we’d like to know about your Horse Dad. Did he match any of these profiles?



Hands-on Dad: In addition to the mechanical skills many males seem to be born with, this type of Dad also had an unwavering desire to participate in his child’s passion.  Thus, he served honorably as horse hauler, jump builder, tractor driver and Mr. Fix-it around the barn. Need an automatic waterer installed? Ask this Dad.



Voice of Reason Dad: Whether you sought it or not, this kind of Dad dispensed fatherly advice. The speech usually began with, “You know, Honey, if you sold your horse you could afford a car that was a little more dependable.” Of course, you turned a deaf ear. But he meant well.

Born-in-the-Saddle Dad: This rare breed of Dad didn’t just dream of being a cowboy as a kid, he actually became one! He taught you how to saddle your first pony and how to get a halter on a reluctant horse. Even today, you trust his horse sense.

Check-Signing Dad: Although he might not know the difference between a Pelham and a kimberwicke, this sort of Dad was always ready with pen in hand to write yet another check for your horse hobby. He went without his new set of golf clubs or scaled back vacation plans so you could buy a new pair of boots. While you may have worked for such indulgences—good grades and household chores—you’re well aware that it will never be enough to truly repay him.

Do any of these sound like your dad? Or was yours a one-of-a-kind Horse Dad? Let us know by clicking on “Submit a Comment” below. Some of your answers may be chosen to be featured in an upcoming issue of Horse Illustrated magazine.

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Horse Illustrated

Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.

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  • My dad never really supported my horseback riding, since he was afraid that i would fall off and kill myself, like that superman guy. but everytime he had a chance, he would always come by the stables and watch my lessons. Most of all, he loved taking pictures of me on a horse. Then when there was a family reunion, he would get all the pictures printed out and show it to all his friends and exagerrate how i hung on to the horse and brought it back under control as it bucked wildly like a bronco(i actually fell off).It was kind of embarassing, yet horrifically funny as he trumped every parent on talking about how great their kid was.

  • My dad is definitely the ultimate Born-in-the-Saddle Dad! He is fearless in the saddle and has always been that way. He always made sure that I had a good, safe horse with a little attitude or spunk to keep me from becoming a sack of potatoes in the saddle! I have seen my dad fall out of his saddle more times than I have fingers and toes, but he always got back on. Note: he is an excellent rider, his horse is just crazy and needed lots of calming! So many of my childhood memories are of our cowboy trail rides and camping adventures with the horses. I could not have asked for a better horse dad! He has taught me everything that I know, including the emergency dismount.

  • My father had ridden horses as a child, so he loved horses. It just took a while to get him to buy me one, probably because of the money issue. But I could always tell he was glad that I got to experience the same joy of riding that he once had.

  • My dad has always been a bit of a thorn in my side when it comes to horses. If it was solely up to him, I wouldn't been 100ft from a horse, let alone own one. His motto is, "Those animals are too big and too smart!" Thankfully though, my mom shares a sliver of my passion for horses so I've got back-up. ;D

  • My dad is so awesome. He is mostly the hands-on fix-it-all dad because he was a farm boy growing up. He's the best with all the fencing, barns, waterers, other electrical things. He's a little bit of the born-in-the-saddle just because he knows so much about how to handle animals and what they like to try to get away with such as he does a great job at fixing our fence from or preparing it for my mischievous Houdini horses.

  • My father is a combination of the "hands-on" and the "voice of reason" profiles. He's always willing to fix things, help set up corrals, spread manure with the tractor, etc., even though he's always on a tight schedule. Meanwhile, when he can't do it hands-on, he always has plenty of advice! I'm grateful to him for both, and ultimately I appreciate that he ever allowed me to have a horse to begin with.

  • I couldnt ask for a better dad this fathers day. Although he cant ride and doesnt know the difference between any of the horses that stand in our pasture, he is more than happy to haul,pay for, or lead around any horse I ask. Although we cannot afford the best of the best, he will make sure I have exactly what I need within reason. Not a day has gone by that my horse hobby had to take the back burner because he makes sure he puts my horse and my riding before anything he wants. He is the perfect horsey father and I couldnt ask for anything better! I love my dad

  • My dad is a little in the middle he pays all of the horsie bills but he also comes to local shows. Plus before I was born he rode tennessee walkers so he does know a thing or two (but a little less than he thinks haha). So he's pretty awesome. =]

  • My Dad is the born in the saddle type. e was the one that got me started on horses even thought he didn't know he did.
    When I was little he led me around a lot on the back of a horse we have to this day.
    I started to want to ride more and more so he taught me to ride by myself.
    He encourages me to take on the challenge of horses and even today he is giving me advice on how I should train my new colt.
    My Dad has inspired me to be what I am today, a horse lover.
    Kayla

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